Stockton Rock Group Wins Miracle Mile Showdown

By Ian Hill
Record Staff Writer
Published Tuesday, June 7, 2005

STOCKTON -- Bill Berlin has high hopes for the future of the Miracle Mile Showdown Battle of the Bands.

Held Friday at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, the showdown was the largest local rock show in recent history. Between 700 and 800 fans watched 13 bands perform over five hours, and judges picked Stockton's The Shambulls as winner.

Berlin, event co-organizer and vice president of the Miracle Mile Improvement Association, said that as word spreads about the success of the first showdown, more fans will want to attend future events. He hopes to hold another battle around Halloween.

"I think it's just a matter of time. The first year, you never sell out," Berlin said.

Eleven of the bands were from San Joaquin County; two were from Sacramento.

The Shambulls, who have a hard, punk-influenced sound and an energetic stage presence that thrilled the crowd, won $1,000, studio time and the opportunity to film a music video.

"It was a great feeling (to win); it was like a beauty pageant or something," said Shambulls singer Ernest Mancuso, 34.

Liquid Conscience placed second, and the Lobstrosities took third place. Both bands are from Stockton.

The showdown was organized as a benefit for the Miracle Mile Improvement Association. Organizers broke even but failed to make a profit. The event still succeeded in raising awareness about the Miracle Mile, Berlin said.

Most audience members were teens.

"I've never seen this many kids in one place" for a show, said Joe Montejano, 25, guitarist for Stockton's the Immorals. Montejano also filled in as guitarist for Stockton's the Frankies.

Musicians and fans said Stockton needs more events like the showdown.

"Stockton doesn't have a lot to do," said Shambulls guitarist Brian Rosas, 30. "I live in the Bay Area; there, there's shows every night."

Cecily Pitre, 15, of Stockton said young local music fans have nowhere to go to see bands, while Mike Gallagher, 14, also of Stockton, added that he believes that the local rock scene is dying because of the lack of venues.

He also noted, however, that he was heartened by the attendance at the showdown.

"This is what it's all about -- people getting together to have fun," said Michael Steele, 16, of Stockton.

Berlin also emphasized that event organizers had worked hard to ensure fans would be safe at the showdown. Security was provided by a private firm and Stockton police, and fans were told not to mosh, a dance style that calls for people to slam into each other.

A mosh pit that broke out during the set by fan favorites The Lobstrosities was ended by police and security as an officer hauled a squirming young mosher out of the crowd.

"The most important thing is it's a real safe event, so parents can feel safe sending their kids to this," Berlin said.

Contact reporter Ian Hill at (209) 943-8571 or ihill@recordnet.com